Unit X // The Making/Construction

Flat perspex sample

In terms of making, I spent most of my time on the laser cutter and in the 3D workshop to create my perspex pieces. I made my designs from the architectural drawings in the Northern Quarter. I kept to quite bold, block shapes and lines, inspired by the vorticist style. Once the perspex is heated, I'm able to bend and abstract the shapes into a sculptural form. Most of the acrylic was white or transparent and so needed the colour palette to be carried through. I've added this through spray paint, masking off specific sections to keep the colour blocking consistent throughout.

Plastic acrylic is not exactly a sustainable material or sensitive to the environment, however I was able to gather perspex from scrap boxes and was donated a fair amount too. We had problems removing the original board from the rooftop due to health and safety reasons, and so instead Melissa gathered her materials from skips and scrap wood/metal places. By using these locally sourced materials, we were able to re-purpose something that would have otherwise gone to waste.

Before-Laser cut perspex

After-Bent and spray painted

We took over a few tables in room 106 to begin to build and layer up our piece, and to experiment in terms of composition. Melissa had previously cut up and gathered all the wooden/metal elements, which were eventually assembled and painted. Over time we created all the components that were needed in time for installation onto the rooftop. The process of the last few weeks was very enjoyable as Melissa and myself got on well with both our personal and collaborative inputs.

Potential compositions

Painted and attached together